After Richarlison infuriated supporters on Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte jumped to the striker’s defense.
For the third match in a row, Richarlison made his debut from the bench. Late in the game, the Brazilian gave Harry Kane an assist to put the game beyond Nottingham Forest’s control.
Spurs had to work hard for the victory because Forest predominated for extended stretches. Although they played well, the freshly promoted team was unable to penetrate Hugo Lloris’s net.
The game was full of highlights, with Conte forced to comment on Richarlison’s piece of showboating towards the tail-end of the game.
The former Everton man received the ball close to the touchline. He then proceeded to do some keepy-uppies before eventually releasing the ball. He ended up misplacing the pass and in his attempt to win it back, was fouled by Forest’s players.
Speaking after the game and as quoted by the Guardian, Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper was livid.
I wouldn’t want my players to do what Richarlison did. It wouldn’t be accepted here.
Conte, on his end, said,
I think he juggled with the ball. It is a game and you are under pressure. I repeat it is OK. I don’t think Richy wanted to show disrespect to Nottingham Forest as quoted by Football London.
Richarlison is not new to controversy. Apart from his impeccable football ability, he is known for winding up the opposition. He will be pushing to start more games after impressing off the bench in recent games.